Hyundai And Kia Tell Some EV Owners To Park Outside Over Fire Risk
EV Fires are Uncommon, but They Always Get Attention
Nobody wants to see 'EV' and 'fire' in the same headline. Sure, battery fires are rarer than gas-car infernos, but when they do happen, they grab headlines. Lithium-ion batteries play by their own rules, and putting out a fire isn't as simple as grabbing a fire extinguisher.
That's why even a tiny recall matters. Automakers would rather nip a battery issue in the bud than let it turn into a headline-grabbing disaster.
Hyundai and Kia are jumping on the problem after spotting a handful of EVs with high-voltage battery packs that might have dodgy cells. The recall covers just 14 cars in the US, but both brands say ignoring the issue could turn your EV into a fire risk.
Which vehicles are affected and what went wrong?
Hyundai's recall targets six Ioniq 5 EVs from the 2023-2024 model years. Kia's list is even shorter: seven units of EV6 from 2022-2024, plus a single EV9 from 2024.
NHTSA documents (1, 2) state that the batteries supplied by SK On may contain cells with electrodes that aren't properly aligned. That little mistake can cause a short circuit inside the battery, and you guessed it, that means a fire risk.
Interestingly, Hyundai began its investigation after hearing about battery failures in other unnamed brands that use the same design. After digging through records and quality checks, six Ioniq 5s were found with suspect cells. Fortunately, no fires, crashes, or injuries have been reported in the US.
If you own one of these Hyundais, keep an eye out for smoke, weird burning smells, or warning lights on the dash. Kia owners, on the other hand, might not get any heads-up before trouble starts.
Here's what owners should do next
Both brands will swap out the entire high-voltage battery for free, which is good news since EV batteries cost a small fortune. Dealers will fit new battery packs with properly aligned cells to fix the issue. If you're wondering whether your car is on the list, check your VIN once the recall goes live or call your local dealer.
Until repairs are completed, Hyundai and Kia recommend limiting the battery's state of charge to 80% or less – just to be safe. Owners are also advised to park their vehicles outdoors, away from buildings and other vehicles.
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This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 7:30 AM.